iPhone Covers

I'm slowly getting into the age of technology!  I will now be now be offering several of my more popular images on iPhone covers.  Please let me know what you think!

All my best,

Maureen

Eden - Tree of Life iPhone Cover

Days Like This to Open at the Emporium

"Days Like This" runs from June 2nd through July 4th at the Emporium Gallery.  The Gallery is located on the second floor of the wonderfully ecclectic Emporium, located at 15 Water Street in Mystic, Connecticut. Their hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. Come jumpstart the summer with us.  We will be having a reception this Thursday, June 2nd from 6 pm to 8 pm.  I hope to see you there!

The Emporium Gallery Show

Bonnie LeMay and I will have a Gallery show at the Mystic Emporium from June 2nd through July 4th.  She was asked to share a bit about ourselves and our work for local publicity.  Personally, I think the only thing she left out was my shoe size.  Enjoy!   

"Days Like This"

Many days of friendship and mutual life philosophy allow these two artists to collaborate with ease in this emotionally expressive exhibit. Bonnie LeMay and Maureen Girard became friends several years ago upon participating in a local arts organization. They soon discovered they share similar thought processes and humor in addition to their artistic aspirations. They have been represented in many of the same galleries as well as other venues, offering encouragement as they witness one another’s evolution. Often remarking with a chuckle that “we must be related somewhere”. Both find art and a good friendship have helped sustain them through many of life’s ups and downs.

While their styles are uniquely individual, each shares a reverence for nature and delight in mystery. It is this common bond that allows them to draw inspiration from earthly imagery as well as other worldly possibilities.

They consider themselves “natural artists” since early childhood. When asked how long she has been involved in the arts, Ms. LeMay replied, “Not being an artist is unimaginable to me, I have no memory of ever not being an artist!” Ms. Girard has honed her craft over the years as well and has developed her mixed medium style with images of mythic overtones and symbology.

Bonnie LeMay is an alumni of the Lyme Academy of fine art. She blends her classical background with a diversity of medium, predominantly a contemporary impressionistic style.

“Days Like This” offers an expressive reflection of these two Connecticut artists.  Bonnie, “Currently my paintings reflect a desire and or a need to simplify, to be immersed in atmosphere, rather than detail and busy work. Emotional content is important. The trick is knowing when to leave it alone as in “Enough Said”.

Both Maureen and Bonnie agree, so much is gained from detaching from the outcome of a piece (with the exception of certain commissions). Often the art reveals itself to the artist as it emerges. Maureen - “You never know what to expect. For me the journey is often as exciting as the outcome! Expect the unexpected and let it evolve.  That’s something we not only enjoy about art but life as well.”

Fragments and Balance

Without intending to, my artwork, for the most part, has always been about finding balance.  My images are of intertwining images and nature.  We all do it.  We all struggle for it.  Whether it's finding peace within myself or juggling what must be done versus what I would like to do, finding enough time to eat right and exercise.  And I never thought I'd need to schedule time apart from the ones I love simply to allow them the freedom to be themselves.   Lately, my work seems to have become more surreal and it's elements more fragmented, but it's still all about finding balance. 

Balance and Breath

Sometime back in November, I realized that once again I had come to a major crossroads.    When I looked in the mirror I didn't see the usual light-hearted, playful, goofy Maureen staring back at me.  Life is full of compromise and what used to work didn't seem to anymore and the strain was obviously getting to me.   After looking through a few photo albums, playbills, miscellaneous collectibles and giving it some serious thought, I realized that I haven't been doing the simple things that I enjoy and it was time to just stop and take care of myself.  

My most popular paintings these days are of figures in meditation or yoga.  I first began the practice back in 1978 but later joined the aerobic craze in the late '80s.  It was time for me to practice what I paint.  Once again, I'm walking daily and a couple of times a week you can find me at the gym in a "warrior" stance or bending over in "downward dog".  Ironically, it has inspired me to come up with some designs for a new line of clothing.  Not to mention that I'm starting to recognize the image in the mirror too!

Happy Easter

I always think of Mr. D. this time of year.  When I wasn't painting in Desmond's class you could always find me in the music room.  Actually, was there most of the time.  Band, theory, chorus, stage band and rehearsal.  Including my study halls.  Many of them were spent sitting on top of the file cabiniets in the practice room probably playing Bandances for the millionth time with my stand all the way up as far as it would go.    

Anyway, one morning we were winding up theory 2 when the topic rolled around to the Easter holiday.  The class was small and it turned out most of the students were Catholic as was Mr. D.  Many had given up chocolate or candy for Lent and someone asked him what he had sacrified.  When he replied that he hadn't given up anything everyone was surprised.  He said he'd made a conscious choice years before.  When I asked him why, he replied that making a mundane sacrifice did not benefit anyone but himself so instead, he chose to go out of his way and do one nice thing for someone every day. 

All these years later I try to do the same. 

Happy Easter everyone!

A Little Help from Your Friends

As an artist you will develop your own style of painting.  Sure, you play with different subject matter or try new materials as you evolve but eventually you will become the master of your paint brush and will need to frame your latest work of art.  Craft stores have become extremely popular and why not?  Going into A.C. Moore and selecting a frame off the shelf gives you instant satisfaction and you can move on to your next project.  Right?  I try to keep my framing consistent.  You'll find that it's easier to hang for a show, your clients will know what to expect and you can get great deals if you become friends with your framer!  Just a thought!

Beyond the Veil Available on Amazon.com

My new 2010 calendar "Beyond the Veil" is now available through Amazon.com!

http://tiny.cc/TInDL

2010 Calendar

Well, I finally finished my new 2010 calendar. Beyond the Veil features a variety of images as well as subjects. It is produced in full color and measures 11"x 8.5" when closed. Click to preview the images. Only $16.95 each!

Fears and Frustrations of the Creative Process

"Creativity" is actually a problem solving method for the mind using "artistic" materials to convey a thought. I say "artistic" loosely because just about anything "functional" can be made "artistic". Most people don't understand the behind the scenes drama that goes into making a piece. Be it a play, book or painting, the process can be a bit daunting. Think of it as a dance or like reading a book. I never like starting a new one but once you're in it, it captures you and you can't put it down. Sometimes all it takes is just getting though the first chapter and let the rest fall into place. Elizabeth Gilbert knows just what I mean.